Coined
as "one of the hallmark's of the City's revitalization efforts in
Kenmore Square," by Mayor Thomas M. Menino, the construction of
the four-star Hotel Commonwealth is reinstating splendor and brilliance
to a long neglected quadrangle of Boston.
Lee Kennedy Co. is performing general contracting
services for the ground-up construction of this 149-room luxury
hotel in bustling Kenmore Square. The hotel is the creation
of Ahearn l Schopfer & Associates PC of Boston who designed
the hotel. Milton Pate Associates in Atlanta is the architect
of record and Mark Forth Architect, Inc. in Melrose is the
local representative. Once complete, the 176,000 s/f hotel
will feature suites, function rooms, a fine dining restaurant,
a French bistro and a sidewalk retail promenade.
Development of the Hotel began long before a
foundation was excavated or piles were driven. Lee Kennedy
Co. performed a lengthy preconstruction process that started
nearly two years before physical construction took place.
The preconstruction process proved to be a critical part of
the project. First, several constructability issues needed
to be resolved. Lee Kennedy Co. researched what type of piles
should be used to best support the structure and chose a combination
of drilled piles, pressure injected footings and spread footings.
Selecting MEP systems also challenged the Preconstruction
Team. The Team was required to find equipment that would fit
within the height limitations of the building, and develop
a strategy for its installation.
Next, Lee Kennedy Co. brought several value engineering options to the table that saved the owners a considerable amount of money. A heavy research effort by the Preconstruction Department produced several options for interior and exterior finishes that would achieve the desired appearance of the Hotel.
Finally, Lee Kennedy Co.'s Preconstruction Department
performed a thorough logistics planning process. As one of
Boston's busiest junctions, a detailed approach was developed
for steel erection, public access, pedestrian detours and
automobile traffic flow. Plus, considerations needed to be
made for the Kenmore Square MBTA stop which stands directly
in front of the site and the tunnel that abuts the Hotel's
foundation. All traffic plans had to be planned with, and
approved by the City.
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